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This is the 3rd official version of the Shapeoko desktop CNC machine. With over 3 years of user feedback, experience, and improvements ranging from easier assembly to better software options, this is the best Shapeoko we've ever made. Period.[1]

Shapeoko

Ayo! If you're looking at this project, you probably think a low cost simple desktop CNC machine is as cool as we do. Sweet. It's always nice to meet like minded people!

CNC is an acronym for Computer Numerical Control. Growing out of the sorts of numerical controls used to control looms and mills manufacturing helicopter blades (see CNC History), affordable computers and clever programming (see Grbl) and opensource electronics have made CNC affordable at a hobby-level.

The Shapeoko is a 3-axis CNC machine kit. It is intended to provide basic functionality while being simple to understand, assemble, and operate --- all this at the best possible value. The stock configuration forgoes many features that are standard in more expensive machines (but many can be added as upgrades). This imposes limitations that the user has to work around. Despite this, or maybe because of this, many people with no prior experience with CNC, woodworking, or machining have successfully assembled and operated Shapeoko machines. Like most things in life, what you get out of it reflects the effort, preparation and patience you are willing to exert. We strongly suggest that you start by assembling and using the machine in its stock configuration. This makes troubleshooting via e-mail and the forums easier; more importantly, it provides you with valuable experience for implementing any planned upgrades.

Have a look around the DIY CNC scene and you will notice the lack of simple, low cost, straight forward build options. We want to fix that. For the last four years we have been designing, redesigning, and building what we hope to be a CNC machine that anyone can build for the lowest possible price (about $300 in 2012--3 with a bit of patience and luck in sourcing parts and w/o two upgrades (dual-motors and double X-axis) which are now standard, a full kit (sans spindle) for the much improved Shapeoko 3 is currently $1,099). Did I mention that cost even includes the electronics to run the machine? Unlike other projects where you can blow a significant budget on just the frame and maybe motors, ShapeOko includes everything you will need to turn your ideas from just a crazy thought into a tangible item.

If nothing else, this project is open. Nobody wants to get locked into some proprietary platform, and nobody wants to spend their money on a machine just to learn they will need to spend another $500 on software to run it. With that in mind, we built the entire process around open source components. From CAD and CAM software to the CNC controller; every step has an open source solution. Did we mention the entire project itself is open source? Every nut, every bolt, every belt, fully documented with part numbers and vendor list. Do with it as you please!

What makes this different? One of the frustrations we had with other designs was the fact that you had to visit a lot of different vendors in order to get all the pieces. We didn't like that. Plus, some projects didn't have a central "released" build, which made it difficult to determine if what you were building was actually what you were expecting to build.

All of that resulted in the following design goals:

1 standard design

lowest possible total cost (originally $300)

Maximum of 3 vendors

So, how are we doing on the goals?

1 standard design - So far, so good. There are documented upgrades, but a single design for each version.

lowest possible total cost - while there are less expensive machines, as of this writing the Shapeoko seems to be at the sweet point of price and capability and expandability, and we believe represents the best possible value for a hobby CNC.

How to determine if a Shapeoko is right for you

Please look through the wiki, esp. the Project links and see if the machine is capable of the sort of projects which you wish to make. Check the Materials page to see if it can cut the materials necessary for your projects.

First Project

3D Machine Simulation

Forum user Grblgru has created a 3 dimensional software simulation of a Shapeoko (which can be extended to mimic other machines). This will allow one to do an end-to-end simulation of a production workflow, including (virtual) machining operations. In addition, it's a great way to while away time while waiting for a machine to be delivered.

Lastly use the machine to make Projects of suitable materials (clamped in place w/ a suitable workholding technique) using your choice of software (one tool for this is Carbide Create). Note that one should test and prove out the machine, the CAD/CAM file and feeds and speeds systematically. Start by cutting in foam or some similar material, progress to making cuts in scrap or inexpensive materials. Only commit to using expensive materials when confident of everything working correctly.

Note that cutting requires on to define "toolpaths" which they machine will follow. As the name implies, these are paths of motion which the machine will follow so as to move the tool where it should cut. Usually defined in a DXF or SVG file (see File Formats they must be vector / outline descriptions of geometry (merely placing a pixel image in a vector editor and re-saving won't work). Pixel images may be used directly using CAM tools such as F-Engrave or MeshCAM which support that, otherwise they must be auto-traced or re-drawn as discussed on the CAD page.